March 03: Heilman not pleased

Reliever Aaron Heilman’s 2007 contract was renewed at $453,000, which didn’t make him happy.

He said he’s unhappy with the process in re-signing players with 0-3 years experience. The Mets, like most teams, have a formula for renewal and Heilman prefers the number be derived on production and other factors.

The Mets refuse to consider Heilman as a starter and that’s his goal. His belief is his value is being hurt in the pen and maybe he’s right. Don’t forget, in the pen, the closers get the big bucks.

A given to me is if Heilman isn’t starting by the time he’s a free agent he is gone.

John Delcos enters his third season covering the Mets for The Journal News after eight seasons on the Yankees beat. Prior to coming to New York, John covered the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians.